THE OUTRAGE AT ST. PETERS.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8061, 21 November 1906, Page 3

THE OUTRAGE AT ST. PETERS.

A COLLECTED CANON. GRAVE DISASTER IMMINENT. ROME, November I'.'. St. Peter's had been beautifully decorated in honour of the anniversary of its dedication, and tbc holy relics were exposed. The attendance was exceptionally large. Cardinal Hanipolla was assisting the choir in the chapel, and the last Masses were over. When the canon at the altar of St. Petronella, in the right aisle, close to where the explosion occurred, started to pronounce the Blessing, a tremendous roar echoed through the building and dense smoke spread everywhere, with a strong smell of gunpowder.

The canon vainly tried to stop the panic by .shouting. " It is only tin noonday gun."

The terror was so greai that the multitude rushed for the doors, overturning chairs on their way. Some of the women fainted and the children screamed.

A grave disaster seemed imminent, when, foitunately, the smoke cleared and the panic was allayed. The building escaped damage. AN INDIGNANT POPULACE ROME, November l!>. The St. Peter's bomb was wrapped in newspapers of recent date and green leaves, suggesting that if was prepared in the country. The Pope was engaged in his devotions in the Vatican when the explosion occurred. When assured that the Basilica was uninjured he fell on his knees imploring mercy for the criminal. His Holiness afterwards received and conversed with several hundred persons in the throne room.

The outrage has caused intense indignation. The Italian .Minister of the Interior has offered a reward of one thousand lire. The box used in the bomb had originally been used for tinned food.